13th Floor
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2008
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- 8,472
That was the most complete game we've seen from them in quite some time (going back to the previous season). They controlled the play for 50 minutes. The ten minutes they weren't was in the middle of the third but then they were able to regain control, which isn't something we're accustomed to seeing when the momentum swings in the opposite direction late.
Loved what the first line was doing again. Thought they had a lot of chances and were gelling pretty well. Horvat doesn't mind trying to beat guys 1 on 1 and that will prove to be useful moving forward.
The second line was great again. They compliment each other so well and Engvall creates a lot of problems with his speed.
Pageau and Lee were good last night, Fasching was okay. Lee looks like a completely different (better) player on the third line where the pace isn't as high as when he's playing with Barzal. The job is different and he made some crafty plays to maintain possession, protect the puck in rough positions, or gain center ice.
Fourth line showed well again but I don't really worry about them until we start getting into the meat of the season.
Defensively I thought everyone was fine. A few mistakes here or there but nothing crazy. Nice showing from the third pair who didn't try to do too much.
Sorokin barely had to work but made the saves necessary to win.
All around a nice effort from the team and they're definitely playing with more pace in the early going this season. We'll see if it can continue.
It'll be interesting to see how they manage loads on the back end, especially if there's an injury. Pulock, Pelech, and Dobber all played 25 minutes (obv special teams plays a part) and Bolduc played under 10. I don't mind sheltering him when and where they can, but they might need to even that out in the dog days.